Story perspectives

Trump Policies Spike School Supply, Lunch Prices 20%+

7/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies have lifted a school-supply basket by nearly 8% and lunch items by 11% since 2025, with lunch boxes up 27%, notebooks 23%, index cards 22% and paper 20%.
Higher diesel prices from Trump’s war with Iran and a $174 million Newell Brands tariff drive the rise.
Lindsay Owens of Groundwork Collaborative warned parents about affording basics.
Janelle Jones of The Century Foundation said the 20%-plus hikes could make students fall behind.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies have lifted a school-supply basket by nearly 8% and lunch items by 11% since 2025, with lunch boxes up 27%, notebooks 23%, index cards 22% and paper 20%.
Higher diesel prices from Trump’s war with Iran and a $174 million Newell Brands tariff drive the rise.
Lindsay Owens of Groundwork Collaborative warned parents about affording basics.
Janelle Jones of The Century Foundation said the 20%-plus hikes could make students fall behind.